Comments on: The uncertain future of NFC and the mobile wallethttps://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/389778/
Digital Trends is your home for technology news, CE product reviews, mobile app reviews and daily videos.Sat, 17 Feb 2018 19:49:35 +0000hourly1By: Ian Bellhttps://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/389778/#comment-476759
Sun, 11 Nov 2012 23:26:37 +0000https://www.digitaltrends.com/?p=389778#comment-476759Good points. I actually keep my charge cards, Costco cards etc at home and only bring them with me when I know I am going to that store. Or some stores don’t require the card, you can just give them your account number and ID for verification (or SS card). I do know people that carry every card of theirs with them at all times regardless of whether they use it or not though.
]]>By: Pwuz Herehttps://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/389778/#comment-476750
Sun, 11 Nov 2012 22:38:09 +0000https://www.digitaltrends.com/?p=389778#comment-476750I think the biggest advantage that NFC payments have is not having to carry around your wallet, or at the very least fish it out.

The time to turn NFC on (which could be an external switch) or enter a PIN is far less than the time to go ruffling through pockets/purses to find the wallet, then fumble around to find the right card for the transaction.

Don’t forget the other major advantage is being able to cut down on what you are actually carry with you. I only use my Kohls card once or twice a year, yet it sits in my wallet taking up space. If I could get around only carrying my ID, that would be well worth the “hassel” of turning NFC on and entering a PIN.

]]>By: Ian Bellhttps://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/389778/#comment-476746
Sun, 11 Nov 2012 22:15:07 +0000https://www.digitaltrends.com/?p=389778#comment-476746I think companies betting on NFC and other mobile technologies are focusing on the wrong areas. Instead of focusing on how they can replace credit cards, they need to pay attention to how consumers will use their phone for mobile payments. As you mentioned, people seem likely to use their mobile for low costs items. Items where they are likely not to purchase them because they are cheap and it takes too much time to go through the credit card transaction process. Sitting at the airport and thinking about getting that magazine, but don’t feel like waiting in line for it, signing a receipt putting it in a bad etc? Simply whip out your phone, pay for it without signing anything and be on your way. This is probably what consumers want.

These companies should look at other successful technologies that have not replaced existing tech or products but found new markets. One could argue that tablets like the iPad have done that. Sure they have replaced some casual laptop users, but they can still both coexist.

Ultimately this will be an evolutionary product which still has it’s problems. What if your phone get’s hacked, or what if your battery runs out? I am sure there are other problems too.